Ikorodu, Lagos – The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, has conferred a royal chieftaincy title on an African American tracing his roots to the Yoruba Mosene lineage.
At a colourful ceremony on Saturday, August 16, 2025, held at the Ayangburen Palace, Jon James Omobowale Olomo was installed as the Basetọ Ìpadàbọ̀ Sílẹ̀ of Ikorodu.
The event coincided with the conferment of a chieftaincy title on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, drawing dignitaries, traditional rulers, and wide media attention.
Olomo, who was born in the United States, traced his ancestry to the Mosene chieftaincy family — direct descendants of Prince Senlu of Imota, one of Ikorodu’s founding houses. His installation, palace sources said, is part of ongoing efforts to reconnect the Yoruba diaspora with their ancestral roots.
“Ikorodu has always been a welcoming community,” Oba Shotobi told guests. “Today we are witnessing history as a son of the soil, though born abroad, returns home to take his place among us.”
Diaspora to Homeland
Olomo is the founder of Tribal Tapestry, a DNA-based ancestry platform that links African Americans to their African tribes. He was previously honoured as a Prince of Shasha Kingdom in Alimosho, Lagos.
Speaking after his installation, Olomo described the honour as a bridge between Nigeria and the diaspora.
“This title is more than personal,” he said. “It is the beginning of a cultural renaissance that brings the diaspora back home. Through Tribal Tapestry, we’re not only helping people find their tribe — we are helping Nigeria reclaim her children.”
Following his coronation, Olomo unveiled plans to launch initiatives in Ikorodu, including a Diaspora Genealogist Training Programme to equip locals in ancestry tracing, and Annual Homecoming Tours for diaspora returnees seeking to reconnect with Nigerian families.
Tribal Tapestry, which he founded, combines DNA testing, family trees, and oral histories to reunite African Americans with their African heritage. Analysts say such initiatives could boost cultural tourism and reposition Ikorodu as a hub for diaspora engagement.